Fizzled probe spares governor scrutiny over Ronald Greene’s deadly arrest

68

In Louisiana, last year’s efforts by legislators to question Governor John Bel Edwards’ possible involvement in concealing state troopers’ fatal arrest of a Black motorist have come to an abrupt halt. Despite not receiving a response from the governor or publishing any findings, the investigation was quietly terminated.

Members of the special committee tasked with investigating Ronald Greene’s 2019 death provided a range of reasons for their discontinuation, such as the impacts of electoral politics, a lack of support from Louisiana’s predominantly conservative electorate, and legislative resource limitations.

Tanner Magee, a Republican state representative who chaired the bipartisan committee, emphasized their financial constraints. “We’re not the federal government with infinite resources,” he said. “Behind the scenes, we are a modest operation striving to do our best.”

Clay Schexnayder, the Republican House Speaker who initiated the panel and is currently running for secretary of state, noted that lawmakers decided to step back in favor of a pre-existing U.S. Justice Department investigation. He also accused the Democratic governor, now in his second term, of refusing to participate.

Edwards, however, expressed his readiness to testify about his role in the Greene case, suggesting that his testimony wouldn’t provide any novel information.

For Mona Hardin, Greene’s mother, the halt in the legislative inquiry adds to her ongoing disappointment and protracted wait for justice for her son’s 2019 death.

Even though a state grand jury charged five law enforcement officers with varying counts from negligent homicide to obstruction last year, Hardin was particularly disheartened by the halted legislative inquiry because of the potential for transparency it represented.

Initial reports after Greene’s death following a high-speed pursuit in rural northeast Louisiana suggested a car crash, an explanation later contested by Greene’s family and an emergency room doctor. More than two years passed before the Louisiana State Police launched an internal investigation, and the troopers’ body-camera footage remained unreleased.

Edwards’ role came under scrutiny after an AP investigation revealed he had received a text from the state police shortly after Greene’s death, describing a “violent, lengthy struggle.” However, the governor remained mostly silent for over two years while the state police continued to uphold the car crash theory. Another AP report discovered that Edwards had privately watched a key body-camera video of Greene’s arrest six months before it was known to exist by state prosecutors.

Despite criticisms from fellow Democrats and Republicans, Edwards has consistently denied any interference or obstruction of the Greene investigation. He eventually described the troopers’ actions in the video as both criminal and racist.

The committee’s premature closure has brought significant revelations to a standstill. These include revelations about instructions to withhold body-camera footage from prosecutors and admissions about cellphone “sanitization” of key police officials. Still, questions linger over full accountability and the potential for further investigation.

Political analyst at Xavier University of Louisiana, Silas Lee, comments that the closure of the investigation is particularly disquieting for communities of color. He points out that many questions about Edwards’ handling of the case remain unanswered.

“Though this phase might be ending, there are more chapters beyond the reach of state and local government,” he concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ronald Greene’s Fatal Arrest Investigation

More about Ronald Greene’s Fatal Arrest Investigation

• Ronald Greene’s Death Investigation
• Governor John Bel Edwards’ Role in Greene Case
• Legislative Inquiry Termination Details
• Potential Consequences of the Investigation’s Closure